The Ashby's Fabulous day is going ahead in the town centre tomorrow (Saturday) - but in a low key form due to the coronavirus pandemic.

A number of shops are taking part despite the Covid-19 restrictions that that have had a major effect on the retail industry.

And at some shops are promising live models in the front window during the day.

So far, these are the shops who have confirmed they will be taking part.

Fair 2 All, The Dressing Room, No.10, Goose, Sew Wardrobe, Owen Jones, Home Start North West Leicestershire Charity shop. 

But the chair of the Ashby Town Traders - and owner of Fair 2 All - Mandy McIntosh, says she hopes the day puts a smile back on people's faces.

"Those who are able, are going to go ahead, but those whose circumstances make it more difficult, aren't," she told Ashby Nub News.

"That's how the Town Centre Traders put it across but I think we need to do what we can, just to give people a good time.

advertisement

'"Let's be honest, we lost the Ashby Statutes this year and this is something that's here to give people a bit of a laugh and encourage them to come into town.

"Also, it's to remind people. There's probably a fair few in the Ashby housing estates who may not be totally aware of the town centre.

"The message is 'We are here'. And if you're working from home and you fancy a walk out or a break at lunchtime, we're not that far away.

"It would be sad if retail, bricks and mortar, didn't take on some of that rather than reverting completely to online.

"If they're using our bricks and mortar, then it might give some people strength to go back into the cities."

Mandy is encouraging people to come and take a look at the independent shops trading in the town centre.

"So many of us are unique, the butchers, the greengrocers, the bakers, the coffee shops, those who do specialist things, and people who visit are those who have come out of their way to do so, which is excellent," she added.

"We want an active town centre and a strong town centre.

advertisement

"Events are what it's all about and we have struggled this year.

"We've been busy with our own businesses, trying to keep one regulation down after another.

"We are lower key, the committee has done it as best we can - and we're doing it to give people a smile."

Mandy says there will be live models in Fair 2 All and explained more: "My models are the Street Pastors, because we're celebrating Ashby and what's so special about the town.

"Although many of us don't use the night time economy, the Street Pastors help people who need it."